Man arrested over abalone seizure
Friday 22 December, 2006

A man has been arrested for allegedly selling abalone on the black market. The arrest follows a covert operation undertaken by PIRSA Fisheries Officers earlier this week on Yorke Peninsula.

The man, aged 29, from Point Pearce will be charged with various abalone related offences including possessing a commercial quantity of abalone for sale. He has been bailed to appear before the Magistrates Court early next year.

Two other men will also be charged with similar offences related to the possession of a quantity of abalone. The charges resulted from reports of suspected illegal activity over a number of days leading up to the arrest.

Search warrants were executed at two Renown Park addresses where a quantity of abalone was uncovered. A number of charges will be laid against two women from these addresses.

As a result of the operation, Fisheries Officers seized approximately 100 kilograms of abalone with an estimated wholesale value of $15,000 together with a vehicle, diving equipment and a large amount of cash.

PIRSA Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Tatarelli said the aim of this particular operation was to target the buyers of illegal abalone.

"Part of our strategy is to reduce the demand for illegal abalone by removing potential buyers from the market place."

"We will also continue to target those involved all aspects of the illegal abalone trade, including catching, transportation and processing," Mr Tatarelli said.

Mr Tatarelli also praised the cooperative work of SAPOL Officers from Yorke Peninsula and Port Adelaide.